Make a Difference in the New Era 8 February 2008   Dear Member,

As a valued member of the Deaf-led BDA I wanted to be the first to let you know about the charity's new Spring Appeal, which follows on from my announcement at last year's Congress held in Southport to take the BDA forwards into a more positive future.

Since the formation of the BDA in 1890, we have been campaigning for Deaf people's right to use BSL, to be educated in BSL, and to access information and services through BSL. We believe this is the best way for Deaf people to take part in society, equally to hearing people. That is why we campaigned for the government to recognise BSL.

The BDA wants to see a society where Sign Language users have the same rights, responsibilities, opportunities and quality of life as everyone else. BSL was recognised as an official British language on 18th March 2003, but it still does not have any legal protection. This means that Deaf Sign Language users do not have full access to vital information and services, including education, health and employment. We want to see an end to this.

So, the BDA is still campaigning for the legislation of BSL. We are also working to gain the right for all Deaf children to receive bilingual education, using BSL and English, and the right to quality and choice in education.

We want to see an end to discrimination against Sign Language users, both Deaf and hearing.

The BDA needs your help as a Member to achieve these goals and unite as a Deaf community in order to make a difference not only to your life but also to the lives of your family and indeed future generations to come.

I sincerely hope that you will support us in this new era and make a donation to the BDA. Whatever the donation, large or small, it will help make a difference to the long-term goals of the BDA. You can make a much-valued and needed donation, by filling in the attached form and returning it to us or using online donation .

On behalf of our charity, I'd like to thank you for your continuing membership and appreciated support.

With all best wishes,

Francis Murphy
BDA Spring Appeal